Vinasha Production Company, The Gambia’s leading film production firm, last Friday formally launched its month-long film festival at a ceremony held at its offices in Bakau.

Speaking at the ceremony, Neneh Macdoual Gaye, Secretary of State for Communications, Information and Technology said The Gambia needs the likes of Vinasha Company to sell the Gambia locally and abroad. ”We need to start somewhere and Vinasha has taken the lead and the first step”, she said.

.She said that President Jammeh cherishes the growth and development of the ICT sector as a fundamental crosscutting tool for meeting the country’s development challenges in the realm of global communications.”The Gambia has yet to fully utilise and exploit the technology so as to produce, educate, sensitise and demonstrate the creative ability of Gambian culture and exprience”, she added.

She expressed her delight over the film productions. ”One major achievement is the exploration of young talent and creativity so that we can take our place in the industry through competition and excellece in the name of mother Africa”.
She added that the government of President Jammeh will continue to support talent search, encouragement of artists and other issues of various interest to the youth. “DVD production is a fast ingredient in the digital divide agenda for our developing countries. Utilise technology so as to make major strides that will put IT and related services in a convergence strategy to the doorstep of all Gambian households”, she concluded.

For her part, Nana Offori Atta, Executive Director, Vinasha Production Company, expressed delight over the turnout. She spoke about her company”s readiness to do their best in film production in the Gambia.

Mr Oguntula, Creative Director, Vinasha Production, gave an overview of the company. He also thanked the public for honouring the invitations extended to them. The month-long festival will end on December 31.